Government outlines faster push for energy security

16 March 2026

The UK government says it will accelerate a series of energy measures aimed at strengthening national energy security and protecting consumers in response to events in the Middle East.

Energy Secretary Ed Miliband is setting out plans intended to speed up the country’s transition to cleaner power while reducing reliance on fossil fuels. The package includes introducing “plug-in solar” panels for the first time in the UK, bringing forward the next annual renewable energy auction, and applying recommendations from a review on nuclear power construction to other infrastructure projects.

Plug-in solar systems, already widely used in parts of Europe, are small portable panels that can be installed in gardens or on balconies and connected to a standard household socket. The government says the technology could allow households to generate electricity themselves and reduce the amount taken from the grid. Officials say new standards and regulatory changes will be developed with industry and consumer groups so the devices can enter the UK market.

The government will also open the next renewables auction in July 2026, several months earlier than expected. The most recent round secured enough clean power to supply the equivalent of 23 million homes.

Separately, the government says it has taken steps to support consumers by working with the Competition and Markets Authority to monitor fuel suppliers and prevent unfair practices. The regulator has outlined plans to intensify scrutiny of the road fuel sector to identify any signs that petrol stations are exploiting the situation. It has also written to heating oil companies seeking further information about their pricing practices.

The authority has the power to fine companies if it finds breaches of consumer or competition law, and ministers say they support its stance that it will act if necessary.

The government also has expanded its Fuel Finder petrol price comparison scheme, with the retailer Asda confirming that its forecourts will be included, bringing coverage to almost all fuel pumps nationwide.

Ed Miliband comments:

“Global events demonstrate there’s not a moment to waste in our drive for clean power because there can be no energy security while we are so dependent on fossil fuels.

“So today I’m announcing a series of initiatives to speed up our clean power mission: bringing forward the next renewables auction just months after our most successful ever, announcing that plug in solar will be available for the first time in Britain and speeding up our warm homes plan.”